Hundreds anticipated to view Living Nativity in Rancho Cucamonga

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will again host its Living Nativity for the community Thursday to Saturday.

Located on the church grounds at 6829 Etiwanda Ave., the free event runs nightly, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Attendees can experience the sights and sounds of the first Christmas in Bethlehem. Guests can mingle with actors and live animals and enjoy free hot chocolate and homemade cookies.

The 15-minute presentation will occur three times each night: 6:30, 7:15 and 8 p.m. It depicts the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, accompanied by musical selections from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. To cap off each evening, a combined choir will perform followed by Christmas caroling with those in attendance.

Last year, more than 1,700 people attended the Living Nativity. Preparations for this year's event began in August.

"The attendance goes up every year because of word of mouth. Our guests have been impressed with the quality of our event. The Christmas spirit they feel makes them anxious to tell their friends," remarked Caryn Payzant, director of public affairs for the church and chairwoman of the Living Nativity.

Committees of church members have donated hours of labor constructing authentic village sets, costumes and rehearsals for the actors.

"Our goal is to take us all back into the humble and powerful setting of the birth of Jesus Christ," commented Nephi Saline, set contractor and designer. "Not a lot of people can say that swinging a hammer brings them the joy or spirit of Christmas. Building our own little town of Bethlehem with others in our community does this for me."

As project supervisor for the third year, Talmage Jones said, "It has been rewarding and unifying for our congregation to join hands in creating this tribute to the Savior. I am amazed by the talent and endless hours Nephi and other volunteers have donated. We always think of giving gifts during the Christmas season. This is our way of giving a gift to the community."

Each year, LaQuitia Howe directs the roles of volunteer actors ranging in ages 12 to 85.

"My focus is to have the performers experience a tiny bit of what it might have been like to be at the manger to experience a bit of that magical wonder and awe," related Howe.